The term 'verbal irony' is a kind of irony in which somebody is observed saying or penning down something that is exactly the opposite of what a person intends to speak out. Although, there must be a sign that the speaker does not mean what he says. This can be sought through voice tone, competing for information and much more.
This gives the subset of irony a unique status because it is the only kind of irony that is said with intentions. With this, let's gain a better understanding of verbal irony. Do you know it has varied forms ranging from understatement, hyperbole, rhetorical question, double entendre to sarcasm?
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The ‘Irony' term comes from εἰρωνεία (eirōneía), which is a Greek word and means dissimulation or feigned ignorance. You must know that forms of irony be they situational, dramatic or verbal have an aspect of things that appear to be different than reality.
Example:
“It’s so delightful to be home with a sick child twice in one week.”
What is the difference between verbal irony and sarcasm?
You must know that the very definition of verbal irony is way too similar to the term sarcasm such that the words can be used interchangeably. Some of the sarcastic comments imbibe the usage of verbal irony to prove a point. Mostly, the usage of sarcasm is to depict the inane behavior of the other person. And it is generally strident and carries contempt. Though, you must not forget that verbal irony is not used to achieve the aim of ridicule. Many times, sarcastic comments made by people do not imbibe a differentiation between what is meant and what is said.
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Did you know J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter series imbibes a lot of sarcastic comments in its narrative? One of the prominent examples could be conversations between Harry and his uncle and aunt about the news. Harry's reply to their question 'Listening to the news! Again?' is a classic example of verbal irony. He responded to the question with an interesting answer 'Well, it changes every day, you see.'
Do you know the importance of the usage of verbal irony in literature?
We all know that verbal irony is an intentional part of the speaker and asks the reader to comprehend the nuance of the statement. Hence, coming across examples of verbal irony in literature can be very happening for the reader as it involves some analytic skills. Did you know verbal irony also impels the narrator to make a distinction that is intentional between what is said and what is meant? Searching for verbal irony examples in dialogue and drama is easy.
Example:
“Yeah, Quirrell was a great teacher. There was just that minor drawback of him having Lord Voldemort sticking out of the back of his head!”
We all know that the favorites quotes of Harry Potter are good examples of his sarcasm particularly saying something direct yet in a contemptuous way. We are aware that the above quote is a sound example of verbal irony. Harry agrees that “Quirrell was a good teacher,” which is untrue. He supports this verbal irony example with drastic understatement in the following line, reminding his audience that Professor Quirrell was associated to the villain Lord Voldemort.
So, the conclusion that we figured out is that the term ‘Irony’ is a strong tool in writing and literature. It holds power to connect to a various audience if we use it correctly which otherwise cannot take place.
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No, it's not a same. People believe at that, but it's not a same((((
Verbal Irony Definition :-
Verbal irony occurs when speakers say the opposite of what they mean.
For example: a man may say loudly to a manifestly unattractive woman, “You are more than beautiful!” This guy is obviously a jerk. An ironic jerk.
Verbal ironies are mainly the intentional products of speakers. The speakers say what is intentionally contradictory to their actions and emotions. There are many ironic similes that convey the opposite of what speakers intend to express.
Examples of Verbal Irony :-
"The cake is as soft as concrete" - the person wants to tell that the cake is not so soft to eat.
"Water is as clear as mud" - The person actually says that the water is not at all clear.
"Isn't it as pleasant as a root canal?" - This implies that whatever occurred was not pleasant at all.
"As pleasant and relaxed as a coiled rattlesnake" - This implies that the person seems to be relaxed but, can attack you at any time!
The term verbal irony can be defined as the use of vocabulary to describe something in a way that is different from what it seems. Often, but not always, verbal irony is accompanied by a sarcastic tone or nature. Verbal irony is usually a comment that conveys a different meaning than what it may seem to be.
Verbal irony is used for variety of circumstances. It may be used in general conversation or in media. Television sitcoms and movies use a lot of verbal irony just like many political pundits to emphasize on the real meaning of what they want to say without even saying it. Comparisons and contrasts are used to create visualization for the listener.
Here’s a list of some examples of Verbal Irony that are very popular and are often used to express the opposite of what’s written. Have a look at them:
1. Soft like a brick
2. Hard as putty
3. Clear like dirt
4. As pleasant as surgery
5. As calm as a dog in heat
6. As sunny as day in winter in Alaska
7. This car goes as fast as a Huffy bicycle.
8. He's as nice as a lion to his prey.
9. The weather is as cool as July in Baltimore.
10. It's as devoid of rain here as Seattle.
11. This chair is as comfortable as sitting on nails.
12. That dog is as friendly as a rattlesnake.
13. The server at the restaurant was as helpful as a feral cat.
14. The wind was as welcome as a monsoon.
15. I enjoyed the movie as much as getting a root canal.
16. The steak was as tender as a leather boot.
17. The wine was as delicious as a glass full of vinegar.
18. I'd like to visit that museum again as much as I'd like to gnaw off my own foot.
19. I like spending time with my co-workers as much as I enjoy digging my eye out with a dull spoon.
20. The neighbors are as calm as a coop full of angry hens.
Hope you like them!